Hi everyone! I am having a hard time to decide where to go for my 7 days (short) trip to Kansai area during summer this year. Preliminary I came back with this plan:
**20 July**
* Reach Osaka in the evening. Check-in (stay in Osaka)
**21 July**
* Travel to Nara in the morning.
* Explore Nara Park and feed deers.
* Visit Todaiji Temple. Explore Naramachi and Gangoji
* Stay overnight in Nara.
**22 July**
* Travel to Kyoto in the morning.
* Hiking from Kibune to Kurama, and visit Kurama Temple.
* Experience Nagashi Somen in Kibune
* Stay overnight in Kibune (considering staying in a ryokan in Kibune?)
**23 July**
* Climb Fushimi Inari (visited before but didn’t manage to climb to the top)
* Afternoon: (some less known areas of kyoto?)
* Attend the Gion Summer Festival in Kyoto in the evening
* Stay overnight in Kyoto (downtown area?)
**24 July**
* Watch the Summer Festival float procession in the morning
* Travel to Koyasan
* Explore Koyasan, visit Okunoin Cemetery
* Stay overnight in Koyasan (temple stay)
**25 July**
* Travel back to Osaka.
* Activities: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori.
* Stay overnight in Osaka.
**26 July**: Depart from Osaka.
Some background: I will be traveling solo (male) and it will be my second time visiting Japan. During my previous trip, I explored Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Tokyo. This time, I am looking for less-known areas/unique places to include in my itinerary. I am keen to attend the Gion Summer Festival in Kyoto since it falls within my travel period (but not sure of anything to take note?)
Initially, I considered staying in a single location and traveling out from there, but I ultimately decided to travel and switch accommodations along the way to have a different range of experiences.
I also considered these places, but due to time constraints, I had to omit them in this plan: Mt. Yoshino (not the best season to visit?), Kinosaki Onsen (out of the way), Ine boathouses (unable to fit in), Uji (considering after Nara since it’s along the way.
Any feedback or suggestions are welcome!
1 comment
I get that you want to explore as much as possibe – but July 24 is a bit unrealistic. Kyoto to Koyasan is a long journey, so after leaving at noon – you will be there late afternoon.. at best you have few hours of daylight.
Recommendation is to focus on areas you want to explore – maybe skip Kibune, and add another night elsewhere.
Also, by checking out every day, you have to take your luggage with you each time, unless you store in locker or leave at hotel prior exploring p.